SECRETARY-GENERAL DISMAYED AT OUTBREAK OF RENEWED FIGHTING IN BURUNDI

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISMAYED AT OUTBREAK OF RENEWED FIGHTING IN BURUNDI

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply dismayed at the outbreak of renewed fighting in Burundi, in and around Bujumbura, which has led to the displacement of as many as 50,000 civilians and the reported deaths of some 40 people.  He is concerned that this fighting will exacerbate a precarious humanitarian situation, in which the incidence of malaria and malnutrition has already reached alarming proportions.

The Secretary-General calls for an immediate end to the fighting, and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law.  He underscores the need for the United Nations agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations on the ground to have full and unfettered access to carry out assessments and provide humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.

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